LOUIS VUITTON x MURAKAMI POP-UP STORE
LOUS VUITTON & Takashi Murakami
Tokyo kicks off 2025 with the “LOUIS VUITTON × MURAKAMI” POP UP. From conquering Cat Street to unveiling dynamic experiences across 3 locations in Harajuku,
Takashi Murakami is once again dreaming alongside Louis Vuitton, this time across 7 cities around the world. When I visited his exhibition in Kyoto, I was overwhelmed by the sheer scale and number of works. Yet beyond the impressive visuals, I could sense a deep love for Japan, expressed through diverse motifs that captured the country’s spirit for an international audience. And there he was in person too, soft-spoken, full of warmth and charm captivating both adults and children alike with that signature smile that makes everyone feel at home.
The venue begins at the Café called Stand By,
where even the latte feels special, crowned with a character illustration atop the foam and served in a paper cup adorned with the LV logo.
Yes, Louis Vuitton is the ultimate expression of luxury.
The ultimate sense of luxury stirred into contemporary art, the irresistible mix. It's playful, it’s provoking, and it makes you feel alive.
I moved on to "THE MESS", the archive exhibition, and ran into my fellow Louis Vuitton fan, Jun.
A charmingly ironic modern-day kid, playful and effortlessly cool.
20 years ago, the world was buzzing with excitement over Takashi Murakami, his iconic Sakura and Cherry pieces now lined up again in this space.
How charismatic it is that his work becomes even newer over time.
Ryu Ogata, beaming as he proudly showed me his collaboration with Billie Eilish, came to pick me up and led me to the final destination, the main venue.
While escorted by him, dressed in a Louis Vuitton knit said to belong to his father.
At the first party of the new year, surrounded by a crowd, I suddenly spotted Ninon’s familiar smile, someone I’ve known since childhood. We hugged tightly, bursting with excitement over my “new love story”.
The girl is always the most loyal allies.
As she walked away saying, “Let’s catch up over tea soon!”, she looked absolutely beautiful.
After weaving through the crowd, I arrived at a futuristic cashier inside a stylish bookstore. The twin duo AmiAya appeared, taking turns stepping in, both dressed in crisp white knits adorned with the Louis Vuitton logo. Though they travel the world, even they’re inspired by Harajuku, spreading their own signature style wherever they go.
The fact that this event is being held right here on Harajuku’s Cat Street feels so fitting, it perfectly matches the spirit of Takashi Murakami’s collaboration, loved by so many iconic figures. His works line the shopping space.
Among them, the skateboards stand out brilliantly, and the Japan-exclusive designs are just too adorable, utterly mesmerizing.
There was even a space where you could have items from 20 years ago touched up and repainted, the ultimate form of sustainability, right here.
You could watch skilled artisans carefully restore each piece with color.
A living history, passed down across generations.
The launch party had the energy of a traveling amusement park.
The fragrance I wore generously that day was Louis Vuitton’s CŒUR BATTANT.
With notes of pear, jasmine, and patchouli, it told the story of a dramatic journey through love.
From cheerful greetings to spontaneous reunions, it was a joyful gathering, and the perfect, glamorous start to a brand new year.
BABY MARY xxx
BABY MARY
https://www.instagram.com/babymaryfaline/
BABY MARY, an icon who has led the street scene for years and shared the “Harajuku KAWAII” culture with the world, continues to earn the trust of designers across the globe.
Her boutique, FALINE, is more than just a store, it’s a movement. A space where each generation of youth comes seeking inspiration, creating a salon-like society driven by love and creativity.
Miss Faline by BABY MARY
3-6-26 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Announced 20 years after the first groundbreaking collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami, the “LOUIS VUITTON × MURAKAMI” Re-Edition Collection marks a celebratory return.
The LOUIS VUITTON × MURAKAMI Pop-Up Store is being launched in seven curated cities around the world: Tokyo, New York, London, Milan, Seoul, Shanghai, and Singapore. The store interior, inspired by Japanese capsule hotels, is composed of minimal modular spaces that include retail areas, vending machines, a cinema space, a care station, an archive exhibition, and a café, offering either full or partial experiences depending on the location.The Tokyo pop-up, the largest of all, features a strikingly bold and colorful façade that instantly draws attention. Step inside, and you’re immersed in a vivid interior decorated with iconic Louis Vuitton elements like the LV initials, Monogram Flower motifs, and characters from past collections, such as the “Panda Family” sculpture, originally displayed at Louis Vuitton Omotesando in April 2009 to commemorate the launch of the “Multicolore Spring Palette” collection.
Nearby, 2 additional spaces host a café, a digital installation, and an exhibition showcasing archived pieces, allowing visitors to experience the "LOUIS VUITTON × MURAKAMI" collection universe from multiple dimensions.
Store Information
LOUIS VUITTON × MURAKAMI POP-UP STORE
Open through Sunday, January 26, 2025 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
*Closes at 6:00 PM on Wed, Jan 15 / Closed on Fri, Jan 17
*Entry may be restricted during busy periods
5-11-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Inquiries: Louis Vuitton Client Services T 0120 00 1854
Available Products: Women’s leather goods, accessories, travel luggage, fragrances, shoes, and more
*Only items from the “LOUIS VUITTON × MURAKAMI” collection will be available
*Shoes also include men’s items
Event Information
“LOUIS VUITTON × MURAKAMI” Café & Digital Installation
“LOUIS VUITTON × MURAKAMI” Exhibition
Open through Sunday, January 26, 2025 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Café until 6:00 PM)
*Closes at 6:00 PM on Wed, Jan 15 / Closed on Fri, Jan 17
5-11-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo